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A groundbreaking international study has revealed that persistently high blood sugar levels during adolescence significantly increase the risk of premature and worsening heart damage by young adulthood. The research, published in Diabetes Care, highlights a critical window in late adolescence where elevated blood glucose and insulin resistance can lead to structural and functional heart abnormalities.
Study Overview and Key Findings
The study followed 1,595 adolescents from the UK’s Children of the 90s cohort, tracking their health from age 17 to 24. Researchers measured fasting blood glucose, insulin resistance, and conducted repeated echocardiography to assess heart structure and function.
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Prediabetes Prevalence: At age 17, 6.2% of adolescents had fasting blood sugar levels ≥5.6 mmol/L (the American Diabetes Association’s cutpoint for prediabetes), which increased nearly fivefold to 26.9% by age 24. Using a stricter cutpoint of ≥6.1 mmol/L, prevalence rose from 1.1% to 5.6%.
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Heart Damage: Excessive heart enlargement (left ventricular hypertrophy) tripled from 2.4% at age 17 to 7.1% at 24. Heart dysfunction prevalence also increased from 9.2% to 15.8%.
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Risk Increase: Persistent fasting blood sugar ≥5.6 mmol/L was linked to a 46% increased risk of left ventricular hypertrophy, while levels ≥6.1 mmol/L tripled the risk. Insulin resistance raised the risk of premature heart damage by 10%.
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Sex Differences: Elevated glucose contributed more significantly to heart muscle mass increase in females than males, with female hearts showing damage five times faster, underscoring the need for targeted prevention in girls.
Implications for Public Health
This study is the largest and longest longitudinal investigation of glucose levels and heart health in a relatively healthy young population. It emphasizes that even adolescents who appear healthy and have normal weight may be on a trajectory toward cardiovascular disease if they have high blood sugar or insulin resistance.
Dr. Andrew Agbaje, senior author and clinical epidemiologist at the University of Eastern Finland, stated, “Late adolescence is a critical period for the development of cardiometabolic diseases. Our findings highlight the urgent need for lifestyle and dietary interventions during this vulnerable phase, especially as young people gain independence.”
The research also points to a vicious cycle between insulin resistance and increased body fat, which exacerbates heart enlargement and damage.
Recommendations
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Early Screening: Regular monitoring of blood glucose and insulin resistance in adolescents could identify those at risk early.
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Lifestyle Interventions: Emphasizing healthy diets, physical activity, and weight management during adolescence may prevent progression to prediabetes and subsequent heart damage.
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Gender-Specific Approaches: Given the heightened risk for females, tailored prevention strategies should be developed.
Disclaimer
This article summarizes findings from a peer-reviewed study published in Diabetes Care and is intended for informational purposes only. It does not substitute professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Individuals concerned about their blood sugar levels or heart health should consult a qualified healthcare provider.
Source:
High blood sugar in adolescence triples the risk of premature heart damage, study shows. Medical Xpress. April 28, 2025. https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-04-high-blood-sugar-adolescence-triples.html
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